Model/actriz in Berlin: A Descent into Nightmarish Punk
This review paints a vivid picture of Model/Actriz’s performance in Berlin, emphasizing its raw energy, unsettling atmosphere, and the band’s captivating stage presence. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:
Overall Impression: The concert is described as a descent into a “nightmarish, cavernous punk rock energy.” It’s not just a performance, but an immersive experience that evokes the dangerous and exhilarating vibe of a 1979 New York underground club. The band creates a sense of both danger and vulnerability.
Key Elements of the Performance:
Sonic Landscape: The music is “angular, brutalist,” and “metallic and abrasive.” It’s a precise, mechanical sound, reminiscent of a “perverse factory floor.” References to bands like Walk With Me and Fear city suggest a post-punk/noise rock influence. Haden’s Charisma: The vocalist is the focal point, described as fluid, vulnerable, and intensely engaging. His performance is theatrical, incorporating dance, smeared lipstick, and sudden, piercing shouts. He actively interacts with the audience, blurring the line between performer and spectator.
Band Dynamics: while Haden commands attention, the review highlights the crucial role of each band member:
Ruben Radlauer (Drums): A precise, relentless, and physically intense presence.
Aaron Shapiro (Bass): Lost in the rythm, almost alien in his focus.
Jack Wetmore (Guitar): A particularly striking figure, compared to Norm Westberg (of Swans) for his stoic, weapon-like handling of the guitar. His movements are sudden and violent, embodying a menacing energy.
Cronenbergian Imagery: The band’s ability to “melt into a unit with their instruments” is likened to the body horror of David Cronenberg’s crash, suggesting a disturbing and transformative connection between musician and machine.
Audience Interaction: Haden’s deliberate and unsettling interactions with the audience – demanding assistance, invading personal space, and controlling their movements – contribute to the overall sense of unease and immersion.
Overall tone: The review is highly descriptive and evocative,using strong imagery and comparisons to create a palpable sense of the concert’s atmosphere. It’s not a simple recounting of events, but a deep dive into the experience of witnessing Model/Actriz perform.
In essence,the review positions Model/Actriz as a band that doesn’t just play music,but creates an environment – a disturbing,captivating,and unforgettable one.